Yes the MPP-1 really is a beast. I use mine with an L2 with 2 x CR123As in it, as its not as bright with 1x18650. I would get an extension tube and run 2 x 18650, but right now its small enough that I can still stick it in a jacket pocket.
bought and received the
Super Tactics CREE LED 400 Lm Flashlight Torch Lamp New
tested extensively sunday nite in cold at range with scope and without scope.
installed trustfire 18650 rechargeable and 18650s i recycled out of laptop batteries and the super tactics ultra ok had really bad problem of swapping to other of the 5 modes without movement. could screw and unscrew head and tail and sometimes would go to right mode for a while but would switch unpredictably thru hours at nite.
installed 2 new surefire cr123s and did not have any of those problems while at home tonite over 5 minutes of testing.
looks like it does not like rechargeable 18650s but likes 2 new cr123s so problem solved. for $13 who cares? buy it.
I guess your recycled 18650 batteries are flat top?
If so, you may just have an unreliable plus connection between battery and driver and a regular button top 18650 should fix the issue. (Or a blob of solder on the driver bottom, if flattops are what you intend to use.)
I wouldn't drive any light specified for one 18650, with two cr123s. Especially not this one, since it is already overdriven with an 18650.
A BIG +1 on all three paragraphs.
Ok, how about the Small Sun ZY-C10-S? Big lens Q5.
I am new to all of this but am capable of learning and following thru (ex. I post what I do and how I test (within limits of knowledge) after purchase with weather conditions (40 degrees) and whatever other factors I can toss in.
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2 types of 18650s:
1. trustfire rechargeables that have no problems in my olight m20 warrior. I have a trustfire recharger. love these 2 batteries. they are slightly longer than the ones below.
2. laptop batteries I have removed. dremeled off solders, sanded with 1000 grit paper, then used www.corrosionx.com on each end of recycled battery. corrosionx made for aircraft electrical parts. (off topic... GREAT firearm oil). these batteries are 'flat topped' (slightly shorter than trustfires). bought earth magnets to make these batteries work in my 2 clone flashlights.
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Questions:
1. I have attached earth magnets to tops of recycled 18650s. My trustfires (that do not have earth magnets) have fewer problems than the recycled.
are you saying that I should solder the earth magnet to the top of the recycled 18650?
2. Can you define driver? My computer background says that is a piece of software but I can infer that this is a piece of hardware on the flashlight.
Is the driver the gold metal plate inside?
3. Did not know I should not run 2 x cr123s in this. Wont do anymore.
I am a newbie and appreciate your time and effort! I spend a lot of time on other forums answering questions.
Hello 16850 Thrower,
Sorry for this late reply. The new year seems to have erased all my thread notification settings.
Both using magnets as well as soldering to LiIon batteries could be dangerous. I suggest you keep the flattop 18650 batteries (unmodified) for lights that have a spring plus contact.
The driver is the electronic assembly that regulates the current flow through the emitter. The plus button on the battery actually connects to the driver's circuit board. The driver's electronic components are usually located on the opposite side of the miniature board, hidden inside the flashligt's head. The flashlight tube provides the minus connection to the outer circle on the board perimeter.
I've quickly placed solder blobs on top of Li-Ions. You want to work really quick so you don't heat the cell too much. Another thing that helped me was that my cells have been out in my garage where it is very cold (been around 20 to 30 degrees F here). I've heard of people just "dripping" the solder onto the cell, but I don't know how well that sticks to the cell.
-Garry
Is there any light that is the same as the Super Tactics but without the golden stuff on it?
I cant stand it but I want such a light...
Greetings
On my TrustFire F15, that collar is stainless steel, which is better looking to me as well. But that's an XM-L light and not a thrower.
The Super Tactics' collar is aluminium, externally anodized to brass color (unfortunately). At least aluminium is better for heat dissipation 
, considered how high this light is driven. I haven't seen a silver collar Q5 (or other XR-E) version yet.
Here is the original that inspired so many clones. Obviously, the metallic collar is its primary design element. I like it, although not so much in gold.
update for my four lights at top of posting.
Can you tell more about these light?
Current? Realy aluminum reflector? Galss or plastic lens?
edit update 5/6/2012 on light above.
I have 4 of these and for price are great. sold 2 and kept 2.
On one of these the battery top is being pushed in by the heavy springs. flickers on and off sometimes. but still works and for the light vs price is great.
2nd one I have the metal threads stripped on the body. repaired with plumbers tape and rear stays on. I did not crossthread because rear still fits on other flashlights.
friend I sold other 2 at cost and gave him batteries has same problem with top being pushed in but he doesnt care either. for the light vs price gotta love it.